Awareness Campaign

It is through information that we will change how the world views this disorder. In Beyond The Label, stigma is discussed in detail. Stigma is more than just how a person feels about a disorder, it has a great impact on the life of the sufferer. While Misophonia is not the same as mental illness, there is little else to compare it to – and since the reactions appear mental (to an onlooker), it can be put under the same umbrella as many mental illnesses. Below is the definition of stigma in a book designated for raising awareness and cutting away the label for mental illness and addiction.

Stigma is not merely a problem of “hurting people’s feelings.” Stigma interferes with the person’s full participation in society, can lead to and/or increase mental health and substance use problems, and can provoke the person to withdraw from relationships and services that could be helpful. Stigma can seriously hamper matters such as holding a job, having a home, accessing services and participating in social relationships (CAMH)

The fear of being judged and scrutinized can stop people from looking for help. Since Misophonia is not a well known condition, it can be very isolating attempting to search for a cure, and even worse, when they find out there is not one. This is why awareness is so important – awareness can remove stigma, both from the medical community and from the public. Without research, Misophonia will remain a relatively unknown condition, and without advocacy, the demand for research is lowered. The more doctors, graduate students, and people that have heard of Misophonia, the greater chance of finding a cure, or helping sufferers to handle the disorder properly.